Oxidation number of Central Metal Atom Preparation and Properties

Oxidation Number of Central Metal Atom :

It is a number which represents the electric charge on the central metal atom of complex compound. To determine the oxidation number of central metal atom in a coordination compound, following rules should be followed :
The sum of all the charges on central metal atom and ligands is equal to zero in a neutral complex.
The net charge on a complex ion is the sum of the charges on the central metal atom and its surrounding ligands.

Examples:

→ In the complex, [P(NH₃)₃Cl₃] the oxidation state of Pt can be determined as:

Oxidation state of NH₃ = 0
Oxidation state of Cl = -1
Oxidation state of Fe = x
x + 3(0) + 3(-1) = 0
x + 0 – 3 = 0
x = + 3

→ In the complex K, [Fe(CN)₆], oxidation number of Fe can be determined as:

Oxidation state of K = +1
Oxidation state of CN = -1
Oxidation state of Pt = x
4(+1) + x + 6(-1)= 0
+4 + x – 6 = 0
x = + 2